Is Your Teabag Exposing You to Microplastics? Yes, According to New Research : The Hearty Soul

My first cup of hot tea at 17 was a Lipton black tea, a comforting ritual during a difficult time. Now, a tea connoisseur, I opt for organic loose-leaf teas and create my own blends. However, recent research has revealed that pyramid tea bags, made of plastic materials like PET and nylon, could be releasing billions of microplastics into each cup of tea.

If You Enjoy Pyramid Teabags, You Could Be Ingesting Billions of Microplastics Per Cup

Pyramid tea bags are considered exclusive, but they are made from plastic materials not intended for hot drinks. When steeped in hot water, these tea bags release billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the tea. The health implications of consuming microplastics are still being studied, with concerns over potential endocrine disruptors and immune system effects in both humans and animals.

Are There Potential Health Effects?

Research on the effects of microplastics on human health is ongoing, with a need for more studies. While larger microplastics may not be easily absorbed by the body, the long-term consequences of ingesting microplastics remain unknown. As we await more research, avoiding plastic tea bags and opting for organic loose-leaf teas with reusable strainers can reduce plastic consumption and potential exposure to microplastics.

Here’s What You Need to Know

Choosing organic loose-leaf tea over plastic tea bags can not only enhance taste but also reduce your plastic footprint. Skip the pyramid tea bags to avoid unknowingly consuming billions of microplastics with your tea.